First Time Cruiser - A couple of Questions

[Sun_Diva]

Hi everyone!

 

First let me say I am so awstruck by this website it has been most helpful!

 

I have always wanted to go on a cruise and finally booked one aboard Carnival Triumph sailing on November 13th to the Western Carribean. Anyways....I have a few questions I was wondering if someone could help me out with....

 

1. Our travel agent asked us if we want to "pre-pay" our gratuities. We said sure even though we don't really know what that means. Does that mean that all of our gratuities on the ship are paid prior to sailing? Our travel agent assured us that this was a better option.

 

2. Our flight gets into Miami International airport at 1:06 pm and the Carnival Shuttle is going to pick us up. Do you think that this is not enough time to relax before the ship sets sail? Should we try and book an earlier flight?

 

3. I am not a big alcohol drinker but really love the diet soda. Is this included in the cruise or do you have to pay additional for that? I assume you pay for it.

 

4. There are two of us travelling and our travel agent asked us if we wanted an early or late dinner sitting. We opted for the late sitting and asked to be at a table of 6-8 people with no children...no offence to people with kids...I just work with kids and need a break....I was wondering if you all have had positive experiences with having more people at your table rather then less. We thought it would be a great opportunity to get to know some new people. How about the late dinner sitting? Is this a good time?

 

5. If you opt out of the formal night (not saying I am going to but its really not my fotay..i am totally a casual chickie)are there other options for where you can eat those nights?

 

I have tons more questions but I will just start with those for now....Thank you all for helping me out!! I look forward to hearing your answers!

 

Carnival Triump - November 13, 2004

Sun_Diva

[serene56]

Prepaying your gratuities is an option that I use. It does prepay your tips instead of having them taken out on your sign and sale card. (its best to get as much prepaid for your cruise as posible so your sign and sail bill will be lowered.

 

2- dont play with the shuttle to take you to the ship. Its faster and more convenient to take a cab. (cancel your shuttle tickets) Cab will cost you 20 bucks a cab. With the shuttle you have to wait till all the people put their luggage into the bus and get the bus loaded. This can take an hour or more. A taxi can get your to the port about 15-20 minutes. You can be waitin inline and be almost cleared by the time the shuttle even leaves the airport.

 

3. you have to pay extra for a soda card. You can get free iced tea, lemonade, are free. (you can carry on your own 12 packs of soda) its allowed. Soda cards can be purchased from any bar or lounge for a little under 40 bucks per person. These cards allow you to get any coke product they carry in a small plastic glass from the bars/lounge- even the dining area.

4. when you first get on the ship you will be given your sign and sail card. This card will have your dining time and seat number. Head to the dining room and check your table. If you are not happy with the location please see the martre de and ask for a transfer. ALso after the first night dinner and you are surrounded with kids please see the matre de and ask to sit somewhere else. He will make sure you have a wonderful dining experience.

 

Late seating for dinner is about 8:00- 8:30 or 8:45 depending on the ship. Dinner can last up til 10:30 I tried late seating once and eating that late and trying to sleep with all that heavy food was more then enough gor me. I was also too full to enjoy any of the midniught buffets

Early seating is at 5:45- 6:00 or 6:15 depending on the ship and dinner is over about 8:00 or so. After dinner we head to the shows/casino or the variuos lounges for music.

 

If you dont want to go to formal night there are a lot of options still available. The buffet is opened every night. There will also be the pizza place that serves pizza, salad and calzones (which is opened 24 hours a day.) also room service can be used although they do have a limited menu. If you use room service tipping should be done when delivered)

 

Going NOWHERE

 

 

 

Miracle, February 13, 2005

Legend, October 22,2004

Voyager August 31,2003

Victory September 22,2002

Regal Empress,June 2001

Sensation,August 2000

 

[This message was edited by serene56 on 06-11-04 at 11:42 AM.]

[Sun_Diva]

Wow thanks for your quick reply! It was very helpful. Looks like I am going to cancel our shuttle tickets..we only took them on embarkation day because our flight got in so close to sailing (our travel agent flight advised us it was safer because at least Carnival knew where we were)...but it sounds like a cab is a much better option.

 

Wow I bet it would save some bux if I brought a case of diet soda with me on the cruise. I just don't know if I wanna be lugging that with me. It doesn't sound like 40 bux is to unreasonable...especially if soda and the occasional daquiri is the only thing you will drink besides water....

 

It sounds like I might not want a later dinner seating now..we anticipated that we would have eaten so much during the day that there would be no way we would be hungry by 6pm....maybe we will re-think this because I don't want to miss out on evening activities.....

 

My god I wish I had of known this stuff before I booked...of course I had no clue when the travel agent said "what dinner seating would you like" I was kind like...uhm....i just want a seat...ha ha...... I got more questions to come that's for sure but thankyouuuu for answering!!

 

Sun-Diva

 

The Triumph Awaits Us ......

 

[nyer]

The question of late/early dinner seating is really a matter of opinion. My DH and I prefer late seating. We feel rushed to get to early seating. We still see the shows and go to the casino after dinner without any problems. We stay up late so we don't feel full when we go to bed. We had early seating on one cruise and said that we would never do it again.

 

 

You will have to decide which would fit your particular tastes. Every person has their own opinion on what is best.

[trish1c]

Sun_Diva

 

You are going to have so much fun. Let me suggest that many people shrare the concerns you have expressed. To help you (& cause I'm kind of bored . . . ) here are some links to relevant threads:

 

Pre paid tipping:

http://messages.cruisecritic.com/2/OpenTopic?a=tpc&s=927093444&f=538097554&m=315107202

 

the size of your table

http://messages.cruisecritic.com/2/OpenTopic?a=tpc&s=927093444&f=538097554&m=853103871

 

Dining time is a personal choice. What time do you like to eat at home? Later dinner probably gives you the best chance of avoiding children.

 

For every 1st time cruiser who says they want to opt out of formal night, I always suggest packing something appropriate anyway in case you change your mind. The photograph of everyone in your group (or the 2 of you) all dressed up is priceless. If you do opt out, there's always the buffet or room service.

 

If you don't want to lug all that heavy soda all the way to FLA, pay the cab driver a bit extra to stop at a grocery store or somewhere else on the way to the port. There's a Walgreens a few blocks from the pier.

 

If you have more Qs ask away.

 

Trish

[Sun_Diva]

Hey ...

 

Thanks everyone for your comments...I greatly appreciate it....

 

Trish those links were really helpful...I think I will do ok with my late seating especially since not having any children at our table is really important..we both usually eat later dinners anways so it will work for us...plus I am a night owl.

 

I do plan on packing something formal for the dinners in case we decide to go...the problem is the person I am travelling with thinks vacations are all about shorts and tshirts and relaxation...lol....so I gotta try to convince him to bring a suit...I know there is no way he will get into a tux..ha ha...I actually had to fight to get us to go on the cruise instead of an all inclusive resort....lucky for me good pricing won out!! He's really worried about motion sickness and I think might have nightmares about the titanic before he sails. Ha ha...anyways...just a coulple more questions....

 

Our departing flight doesn't leave until 8pm the day of debarkation......so we have lots of time is it wiser for us to just stay on the ship until most people are off..to avoid the chaos?

 

I have a serious fear of flying and was wonderig if anyone had any ideas about how to curb some of the anxiety.....Any ideas?

 

Do they have hours at the pools that are for adults only? I thought this would be nice because once again no offence...i love kids..but work with them every day of my life.....My travellin companion and I might enjoy a nice kid free lap of the pool.

 

Will they usually make virgin daquiri's if you ask for em? I am not big on the alcohol but do have this vision of me sittin on the deck with a nice strawberry banana flavoured drink...yum.....Will they charge you the same price if it is without the alcohol?

 

Are there things that we can do before our trip that will help embarkation go smooth?

 

Ok there are some more of my questions...Like I said I have tons....lol...

 

Oh and am I TOTALLY INSANE to be so excited that this is happening to me....any idea's how to keep the excitement alive between now and my trip in November?

 

Thank you all so much!!!

 

Sun_Diva

 

The Triumph Awaits Us ......

 

[kitty9]

You are going to have a fantastic time. Don't worry about your flight. Some deep breathing and maybe even calling your doctor for a mild tranquilizer could help (my mom takes a very mild tranquilizer when she flies). You can order any drink as a virgin. Pina coladas, margaritas, bloody marys, and all of that and they are cheaper without the alcohol. You will receive colored luggage tags for the end of the cruise and you have to disembark the ship when your color is called. The bags are lined up by tag color which makes it easier to find.

 

You don't miss any entertainment by eating at either seating. Sometimes the main show will be at 7pm for the late seating and 10pm for the early. So don't worry about missing anything. You will have less kids at the late seating.

 

If you don't go to the formal nights, you are really missing one of the most important things you pay for on a cruise---the very best food is served on the formal nights. I know I don't want to miss prime rib, lobster, chocolate souffle or baked Alaska.

 

To make embarkation go smoothly, make certain all your documents are filled out properly before getting into line. Make sure your cruise ticket is filled out and the forms for your sign and sail card.

 

Some ships have adults only pools so it depends on what ship you're on. If you're cruising during summer or during a school holiday, the kids will be everywhere and the even find themselves in the adults area.

 

Hope this helps

 

Darcie

[dst]

Sun_Diva: Congrats on your first cruise, Two years ago I took my fiance' on his first cruise as a bday present. He was mad that I got him the present becasue he had the same fears as your friend. Believe me we almost ended our relationship over this issue! But he went on the cruise and now we are getting married and taking our honeymoon on the Zuiderdam July 24th! It was his idea to take the cruise.....so believe me he will have a good time. Plus Carnival tends to be more relaxed (this was the cruise I took my honey on)Lots of people on formal night were not in suits.

 

I also have a HUGE fear of flying so here is what I do. I take one Valium (get from my DR) 1 hour before the flight and have a martini or bloody mary with it. Then on the plane at take off I take one more valium.....I sleep thru the entire thing. Plus I bring my rosary beads. (figure if the plane goes down, I'll be okay)

 

Yes vigin drinks are always available. In any flavor....

 

Embarkation will go smooth if you have all of your documents together and filled out prior to getting to the ship. They will send you a complete booklet and instructions on how to do this about 30 days before the cruise.

 

A good way to keep excited, grab some books on cruising (a great one is cruising for dummies) and stay on this board, I am hopelessly addicted to these boards

 

There is one bad thing about cruising; as soon as you get off the ship, you'll be figuring ways to take your next cruise

HAPPY SAILING!

Debi

[dst]

looks like Darcy and I were typing at the same time.....

[Sun_Diva]

Thanks kitty and dst for your replies...let me comment on a few things you both said....

 

I have to laugh at the idea of the tranquilizer because I work with mental health patients and they take them all the time...I imagine since I have never taken one before I might pass out and my travellin companion might not be able to wake me when we arrive at the ship...but needlesss to say I will ask my doctor for something a lil milder...perhaps ativan..or something...who knows...but thanks for the suggestions...brilliant idea!!

 

After reading all the various posts we have decided to keep our late dinner sitting...we really don't want to rush back from our port trips to make dinner, especially after swimming, or snorkling, or investigating some ruins...a shower prior to dinner would be nice and probably appreciated by our table mates..ha ha....

 

I really hope that they get our documents here in time...a friend of mine was supposed to leave on a cruise on a Monday once...but they didn't get their documents until Tuesday...turns out they ended up not being able to go on the trip anyways because their daughter landed herself in the hospital....but I would NOT want to now have my documents so I can have everything sorted out!!

 

Anyways.....I gotta go to work..so maybe I will post some more questions when I get back!

 

Sun_Diva

 

The Triumph Awaits Us ......

 

[trish1c]

Sun Diva --

 

Although I've never sailed carnival, I'm fairly certain they do not have hours when kids aren't allowed in the pool. Most of the time most of the kids I've encountered aboard ship have been reasonably well behaved. If you are not sailing during a school break you should not encounter too many kids.

 

If you are worried about your traveling companion's attire, can you "sneak" at least a sports coat into your bags? It is "safer" to mix the luggage -- some of each person's stuff in each checked bag -- in case one gets lost you'll both have something to wear.

 

Flying is safer than driving -- fewer accidents. Try relaxation techniques or hypnotism if you don't want meds.

 

I was afraid of seasickness too. Bring some OTC meds like 24 hour non-drosy dramamine (my favorite) & some other necessities: tums, pepto, aloe, etc. just in case.

 

Keeping the excitement alive won't be a problem. Come to the boards. We'll feed your fix.

 

Bon Voyage.

 

Trish

[GolfingDV]

Good that you are going on the 13th and not the following week. Carnival seems to have more family travelers than other lines. This is especially true in summer or holidays. We have done the Thanksgiving cruise with the family and there are quite a few kids. Suggest you check out the "adults only" sunning area if you want privacy. There are also a few quiet spots for laying out if you get away from the pools.

 

You will find other adult hangouts like the disco and casino.

 

Enjoy!

[Trevoli]

Sun Diva,

You're getting some good advice here. I'm glad you decided to stay with late seating, I think you'll like it. You have more "day" to your day, if that makes sense, since you don't have to hurry in order to make the main seating time of 6:00-ish.

 

To answer your question about sitting at a large table, I've always done that. One of the pleasures of cruising, for me, is to get to know other people and you can't do that if you're eating alone!!

 

Do ships still have midnight buffets? I haven't been to one in a long, long time. I'm stacking ZZZZZZZs by then.

 

So, now I have a question of my own. I have read many posts advising people to bypass the ship's shuttle in favor of cabbing it to the port. I understand not wanting to wait until the bus fills up, and it can be quite a wait. My question is, you must have to schlep your own luggage aboard then, eh? I did that once several cruises ago..... what a pain. There's something to be said for having your bags appear in your cabin, as if by magic. Just an expression, I know it's a lot of hard work.

 

T

[smudge's mom]

Trevoli - yes, you need to schlep your bags as far as the baggage handler - sometimes he is at the curb where the cab stops, sometimes a little further away. The cab driver will get them out of the trunk, and the worst that will happen is that one of you will wait with the bags while the other schleps them to the baggage handler. Make sure your tags with the cabin number and your name are on the bags.

 

The only bag you will have to schlep to your room is your carryons. If you don't wish to handle those, you can give them to the baggage handler, also. However, if your carryon has meds or jewelry, etc., I wouldn't let it out of my sight.

[camreesmom]

just my opinion but our first cruise was in December and our flight didn't get into Port Canaveral until 2 pm. I wanted to change our flight to an earlier time but our TA, I don't recommend her to anyone anymore, made me feel really dumb for wanting to do that. She said that Carnival would make sure we were on the ship in time and would wait for us if we weren't. We sailed at 4:30. We did have the ship shuttle bus take us but it felt like we walked on the ship and it left from the dock immediately. The buffets were already getting set up for dinner. On our next cruise, we embarked about 11:30 am for a 6:30 pm sailing and we felt like we had a whole extra day on the ship. From now on, I will always try to get on board as early as possible! Of course if you can't switch to an earlier flight, don't let it ruin your cruise......you will still be cruising and that is all that matters, right??? :D

 

Julie

[pg.]

sunDiva, I would also ask to have my flight home made earlier, an 8pm flight is a long time ot sit in the airport cooling your heels. You can't just sit around the ship all day, they will kick you off! LOL

T

You could book a tour through the cruiseline to fill the day, but I would just have my flight moved up a few hours, we paid the 75$ devieation fee( Princess) and had our 9 pm flight changed to 2:30 and were very glad we did.

[CaribbeanCruisesRock]

You have to pay for a lot of sodas, pops, and liquor....... the only think free is like apple juice, orange juice, lemonade........ at the buffaes.

[KKB]

No one has addressed your seasickness concerns...now, I'm no expert, since I've just booked our first cruise. But my mother has taken several, and she has just asked our doctor for "the patch". She has leftovers from the last cruise. She usually doesn't need them, but their fall cruise to New England had a very rough day that put her down, and the patch made it bearable. Figure it's insurance of sorts. Just call your doctor and say you are going on a cruise and have concerns about seasickness.

Kristin

PS I enjoy my cosmos, but I don't advise mixing valium and alcohol...results could be devastating.

[camreesmom]

Bonine works good for seasickness. It's available over the counter and didn't affect me at all with alcohol.

 

Back to our first cruise, we cruised out of Florida which meant we flew from Houston. Our flight back wasn't until 4:30pm but we got to the airport at 10:30. We just went to the counter and asked to be put on standby for an earlier flight. We flew out of Orlando at noon and didn't pay a penny extra. It's always worth a try.

 

Julie

[scammers820]

okay here it is folks the rookie at sea is being put on the boat, my wife the travel agent says we will cruise for this years vacation but me the guy who want to veg out and not do a thing is a little leary. I like to fly and have done so with uncle sam in his air force for many years and can get from these little island jaunts in a few hrs but being on a boat for 2-3 days with 3200 folks I just cannot get into this. my parents have cruised for many years and enjoy it but with me being this biggest couch potatoe since al bundy and archie bunker i need some convincing that this is for me ????? yeah sure you eat all week but when you have to pay for sodas and drinks and their is no grocery store for miles and you are at the mercy of the ship doesnt one think that hey this may not be what it's all cracked up to be ?? we having a family saying since we are in the travel business my wife a travel agent and my father in-law works for southwest airlines in the resv dept that you get what you get its like being at 35,000 ft on southwest all they have is drinks and peanuts but eventually the plane has to land and get gas, a boat can float forever. Now I hope you can get where i am coming from. so come on and tell me that is this big boat fun and exciting when I could have gone to a all-inclusive resort and been wined and dined by the local natives ??? :confused:

 

so with the cruise being paid for and we have about 100 days til we go i must face that this is myvacation for the year and I can only dream that the cubs make the world series and i can look forward to spring training in az in march !!!!:rolleyes:

 

 

all replies would be appreciated

[trish1c]

Scammers80 -- you will be fine. As a zommie you will develop a new insight into all your squid buddies.

 

Don't worry about the lack of a grocery store. You can get food 24 hours a day. They load an entire grocery store on to each ship every cruise.

 

Yes, you have to pay for some drinks, but it's not much more than bars at home. There are drinks that are included & you can bring your own soda if that's your preference. If you are really concerned about the prices, read all of the smuggling alcohol tips; there's hundreds of them.

 

There's a cruise ship commercial, I forget which line, Disney, I think, where the family is running around doing this that & everything else all day. Each shot you see dad sleeping in a different chair on a different deck. The best part about a cruise is you can do everything or nothing.

 

The ship is sooooo massive that you won't feel at anybody's mercy, although I confess I get a little stressed by all the p-e-o-p-l-e (read as though being said by the big red Monster from the Bugs Bunny cartoon) on sea days. I try to find someplace to hide.

 

The wining & dining you will receive from the staff will usually blow away the all inclusives.

 

I had some similar concerns before our first cruise. Ended up being thrilled & now, well, I can't wait 'til my next cruise.

 

Bon Voyage.

 

Oh, PS -- you might get more responses to your concerns if you post your own thread here & maybe on the board for your cruise line. Consider surfing through the Roll Call thread for your cruise too. Then you can meet new people.